Football Academy
The Norwood Football Academy has been designed to cater for the changing needs of our players as they progress through the different age groups and skill levels.
The Academy has three Modules aimed at assisting in the development of good footballers but more importantly good people.
Module One – Developing Skills.
Target Age Groups: Non-Comp Sides (U8 – U10) and Girls new to the game (U10 – U14).
Overview: Aimed at building on the skills introduced during Auskick, Module One is designed to build confidence and the skills required to compete and have fun when playing games. Training will focus on fun, involvement and techniques in an enjoyable environment.
Focus Areas: Picking up the ball, Marking, hand balling, kicking, bouncing the balls and learning the correct way to tackle*.
Module Two – Consolidating Skills.
Target Age Groups: U11 – U13 & Girls (U14 – U18).
Overview: Aimed at consolidating on the skills of the game, Module Two is designed to build on the basic skills, by adding game speed during training sessions. Trainings will again focus on fun, but will also expand into game awareness and the Norwood Brand of Football. We will also build in education and techniques for playing in each of the 3 zones, forwards, backs & midfielders so that all players are familiar with the nuances of the different positions. There will also be an introduction into Leadership & Nutrition.
Focus Areas: Picking up the ball, Marking, handballing, kicking, bouncing the balls and tackling.
* No tackling during games for U8s & U9s, but learning the correct technique for tackling is critical to everyone’s safety
Module 2 – Consolidating Skills
Target Age Groups: U11 – U13 & Girls (U14 – U18)
Overview: Aimed at consolidating on the skills of the game, Module Two is designed to build on the basic skills, by adding game speed during training sessions. Training will again focus on fun, but will also expand into game awareness and the Norwood Brand of Football. We will also build in education and techniques for playing in each of the three zones, forwards, backs and midfielders so that all players are familiar with the nuances of the different positions. There will also be an introduction into Leadership and Nutrition.
Focus Areas: Picking up the ball, Marking, hand balling, kicking, bouncing the balls and tackling.
Module Three – Advancing Skills
Target Age Groups: U11 – U13 & Girls (U14 – U18)
Overview: Aimed at advancing the skills of the game, Module Three is designed to continue building on skills, by adding game simulation and pressure during training sessions. Training will build on fitness, nutrition, leadership and skills that will prepare payers for senior football. We will also build on the techniques for playing particular positions across the field, players will begin to learn body positioning and reading the game.
Module Three will also introduce community involvement via involvement in junior teams, local community groups etc. Module Three will have a large focus on well being in conjunction with the Welfare Hub activities assist our payers to transition towards careers and senior football.
Focus Areas: Picking up the ball, Marking, hand balling, kicking, bouncing the balls and tackling.
As part of the Football Academy, we are very pleased to partner with Future Football Legends. An interactive online learning portal that gives all our Norwood Players the opportunity to learn at their own speed and focus on areas of interest/need.
The online content will also be used by our coaches in the ongoing development of our Football program and players.
Future Footy Legends is new and innovative. It teaches kids the fundamental skills of the game as well as fitness, nutrition, team work, responsibility and leadership.
The content is delivered on a secure website by current and ex AFL players, and is specifically designed for junior footballers. Ellie Blackburn from the Western Bulldogs in the AFLW provides a module for girls looking to develop their skills.
As an extension of the Footy Academy, over and above “Advanced Training Sessions” are available for kids for a nominal fee through leading Norwood Senior Player and partner in Future Footy Legends, Leigh Williams. Please click here for more information.